At about 3:47 AM on Saturday, July 15, 2017, officers from District D-4 (South End) responded to a call to meet with a victim stating she had been sexually assaulted. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she had requested transportation via a ride share service to pick her up outside an establishment in the area of Harvard Ave and Gardner Street. Investigators believe the victim entered the vehicle at about 2:15 AM, believing it was the car she had requested, and was later sexually assaulted by the operator of the car. The suspect is described as a male of Middle Eastern descent, believed to be in his 30’s with a slight accent, clean shaven with short dark hair, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Additionally, suspect may have been operating a gold-colored sedan. At this time, investigators have been unable to confirm the operator’s affiliation or employment with any ride share services in the area.

The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Those with information are asked to call detectives directly at (617) 343-4400. Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800)494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation anonymously.

If you’re a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency or representative, the Boston Police Department encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area. To learn more about BARCC, please click on the enclosed link: www.barcc.org.